Frankie Edgar News

Justin Golightly - February 3, 2018

After the crushing news of Max Holloway’s injury that will force him out of his UFC 222 title fight with Frankie Edgar, the UFC is absolutely scrambling to get a new main event. There are a ton of different directions that the organization could go with Jose Aldo, Cub Swanson, or even Darren Elkins if they keep Frankie Edgar on the card. A lot of fans and media were wondering if there would be yet another interim title put on the line, but is looks like the UFC has decided against that. The latest news on a replacement for Max Holloway is surging contender Brian Ortega in a non-title fight. UFC is working on salvaging 222. Obviously the card can’t be a PPV after losing that headliner (this is why not all second-to-last fights are “co-mains”). Might involve replacing Holloway vs Edgar or a new main altogether. Developing.

Justin Golightly - February 3, 2018

There is a yin and a yang to everything. The universe must always balance itself. The MMA gods must have pulled out all the stops to make the three gigantic super fights expected for 2018. By booking Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic – and attempting to put together fights with Demetrious Johnson, TJ Dillashaw, Cris Cyborg and Amanda Nunes – it was inevitable something had to go. According to a breaking report, Max Holloway suffered and undisclosed injury that will take him out of his title defense against Frankie Edgar at UFC 222. “According to sources, featherweight champion Max Holloway has suffered an injury that will prevent him from defending his title against Frankie Edgar. The UFC has not officially pulled Holloway from the event, but is expected to do so shortly. The promotion is already in the process of exploring other options for its main event.” – as reported by Brett Okamoto via ESPN.

Justin Golightly - January 25, 2018

We finally have it booked again. MMA fans everywhere wept when Frankie Edgar had to pull out of his UFC 218 fight against Max Holloway, but the tears soon dried up when we found out Jose Aldo would replace him. Now Holloway is going back and trying to finish what he and the former UFC lightweight champion started. UFC 222 will go down in March and Frankie Edgar will attempt to accomplish what was never able to do against Aldo in a fight that he knows is his toughest test to date. “I’m going to have to say yes, [Max Holloway is my toughest test in a title fight] based on what he’s done in his career at this point. With him being so young and people want to say I’m being old, so I think this is my toughest test but this is what I want. If you want to be the best, you have to go after the best guys. I do think I have that chip [on my shoulder of being too small]. I think you need to have a chip on your shoulder regardless, but the fact that people tell me I’m too small, or not strong enough, not tall enough and now I’m too old, that’s definitely motivating and I love proving people wrong. If I’m able to do that, that’s a notch in my hat.”

Justin Golightly - January 23, 2018

This is not a drill #BlessedEra @moskova pic.twitter.com/X3EwaPDbt4 — Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) January 23, 2018

Justin Golightly - January 10, 2018

Things are finally looking up for former UFC featherweight title challenger Frankie Edgar. He was slated for a title shot against Max Holloway, but had to withdraw due to an injured orbital. Not only does he get another shot, but just a day after his fight with Holloway is re-booked for UFC 222, he got bumped up to first degree black belt. He wasn’t the only fighter getting the honors from Ricardo Almeida, his teammate Marlon Moraes got promoted from brown belt to black belt. “Such an honor to have these guys on our mats day in and day out. Congratulations gentleman. Marlon Moraes: Congratulations on your black belt, six years as a brown belt and I tried to promote him last year but he wouldn’t accept it. You won’t find a more humble guy. Frankie Edgar: Black belt first degree. Our team leader/captain always setting the pace we all try to follow.”

Drake Riggs - January 9, 2018

The plan for UFC 218 wasn’t always for it to be headlined by a Max Holloway vs Jose Aldo rematch. Initially, it was Holloway set to defend for the first time against former UFC Lightweight champion and two time Featherweight title challenger, Frankie Edgar. Unfortunately, Edgar ended up breaking his orbital bone in training and had to be pulled from the fight just weeks prior. But now he’s ready to go and the pieces have fallen back together. UFC 222 on March 3 from Las Vegas will be the time and place, Edgar spoke with FloCombat today about the rebooking and how it felt when things fell apart.

Justin Golightly - January 9, 2018

Suddenly, it’s UFC 218 déjà vu all over again. Max Holloway was supposed to defend his UFC featherweight title against Frankie Edgar, but instead he went back-to-back against Jose Aldo. Not wasting any time, Holloway is determined to keep his promise of fighting every contender in line. His fight with Edgar has been re-booked for UFC 222. 12 straight wins later, Holloway is hoping that Frankie Edgar is the test that everyone keeps saying that he’ll fail. “[The UFC] needed a fight for Vegas and I’ve been asking to fight there. I also have a lot of questions and I heard [Frankie Edgar] got answers. We’re going to find out March 3rd. I can’t wait for this fight. Things happen and we didn’t get to fight the first time around, so I think it only makes sense to bring it back and do it. […] There’s a lot of history between [Edgar] and Hawaiian fighters. I’m going out there to bring one back home, and hopefully next time the UFC will bring my ass all the way back home. Fighting out in the ninth island of Las Vegas is nice, but I want to fight in Hawaii. First thing is first, and ‘The Answer’ is back up, and I got questions for the man. Let’s see if he can answer them for me.”

Russell Sai - January 8, 2018

On Monday, MMA Junkie reported that UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway was set to defend his title against former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 in March. The official announcement from the UFC came later in the day confirming MMA Junkie’s report. From the UFC:

Justin Golightly - December 22, 2017

After Conor McGregor heard the rumors of Floyd Mayweather squashed and that he was not going to the UFC after all, he was quick to Tweet out what seemed to be a response. However, there are some people who feel that McGregor shouldn’t be too quick to throw out insults when it comes to fighting. Frankie Edgar’s manager Ali Abdelaziz and coach Mark Henry recently joined forces to give the brash Irishman a piece of their mind on social media. Mostly centered around how the once featherweight champ allegedly ducked Edgar at all costs. “It’s crazy Conor McGregor [calls] everyone pussies when the guy’s ducked everyone that can beat him. Frankie Edgar, Khabib [Nurmagomedov], and never defended his titles. He only fights guys stylistically good for him. And his coaches only talk about guys he can’t beat. Not sure who’s the pussy here. Chad Mendes was in the mountain camping and he barely made weight. He had 10 days to train.” — Ali Abdelaziz via his official Twitter.

Drake Riggs - December 11, 2017

Prior to the Max Holloway vs Jose Aldo rematch at UFC 218, it was supposed to be Frankie Edgar stepping into his ninth UFC title fight(his fifth as a challenger and third at Featherweight). Edgar is one of the greatest fighters to ever compete and a legend of the lighter weight classes. Prior to Brian Ortega’s huge win over Cub Swanson last Saturday, Max Holloway had fought and beaten everyone in the UFC’s Featherweight top 5 that wasn’t named Frankie Edgar. Therefore, it makes sense that Edgar would still want the fight that he was expected to get in the first place as he told Ariel Helwani on today’s MMA Hour. Fetching content “He said we’re just figuring out – this is after this weekend’s fight – we’re just waiting to see what’s next,” Edgar explained when asked about whether or not he talked to Dana White at UFC Fresno, which Edgar attended. “I think March or April sounds good, so one of those dates I imagine we’ll set it up.”

Tom Taylor - December 11, 2017

Last Saturday night, in the main event of the UFC’s debut in Fresno, California, surging featherweight contender Brian Ortega picked up the biggest win of his career, tapping long-time contender Cub Swanson in the second round. With this win, Ortega immediately stands out as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division – perhaps even the next man in line for the champ Max Holloway. Post-fight, UFC President Dana White sang Ortega’s praises, hailing him as the next big thing at featherweight.

Justin Golightly - November 16, 2017

Frankie Edgar had to pull out of his title fight with Max Holloway at UFC 218, but a rematch against Jose Aldo isn’t bad at all for a late replacement. Of course, Edgar would rather it be him, but a broken orbital in training forced him out of the bout. For now, he is back on the sidelines waiting for his crack at the belt once again and giving his insight into the match-up. The former UFC lightweight champion thinks Holloway comes away with his hands raised against Aldo for the second time. “I think [Max] Holloway is going to get it done, but [Jose] Aldo is always dangerous, so you never know. Yeah, for sure I got a message for the winner. I’m coming for that belt man. I’ve not changed my goals. I want to become a two weight champion and I know I’m close to it. I’m just going to get back fit and get it done. […] I think [Max Holloway] understands that it was something out of my hands. I think he understands that and I’m not one to ever back out of anything. I’ve been wanting this shot for a very long time so if anyone is upset about it, it’s going to be myself. I knew it was going to be one of those guys. I don’t know how they come to their decisions, but no, I wasn’t really surprised that they picked Aldo. For sure, it makes more sense that I fight Holloway. Those guys will figure it though. When they fought last time I said they would figure it out and that the true champ would come out. I know I’ll fight the winner.”

Justin Golightly - November 9, 2017

News hit last night that Frankie Edgar unfortunately had to drop out of his title fight with Max Holloway at UFC 218 because of a facial injury that requires surgery. Immediately there was an incredible swarm of fighters coming out to try and take advantage of Edgar’s misfortune. Cub Swanson was the first on the buzzer, hoping to avenge his loss and finally get a chance at gold. Both Jose Aldo and Ricardo Lamas have also expressed interest in leaving their fight together at UFC Winnipeg to potentially capture Holloway’s UFC featherweight title. His management just released a statement of the names in consideration, but stress that the champ is down to fight anyone. When you become the champ the right way, the division is cleaned out… Choices are limited but we’ll fight anyone. Cub, Ortega, Ferguson, Conor… we’re just waiting on the call. Respect to @frankieedgar who truly deserved this fight and wishing him a speedy recovery. #blessedera #ufc218 #represented #Repost @blessedmma ・・・ Injuries are part of this fight game. Frankies the man. Wish him a speedy recovery. Detroit, you guys are a bunch of tough mfers. I met many of you last month when we visited. You guys deserve the best fight card of the year and youre still gonna get it. I’m fighting no matter what. Santa is still coming early to Detroit, so get ready. Malice in the palace part 2 if we have to. I’ll see you soon.

Justin Golightly - November 8, 2017

We were hit tonight with a speeding comet of bad news for UFC 218. Max Holloway was set to defend his unified UFC featherweight title for the first time after conquering former divisional king Jose Aldo, but Frankie Edgar suffered an injury to his face and had to pull out of the match-up. Don’t worry too much though, after everyone started worrying that UFC Detroit would lose it’s main even altogether, Max Holloway went to Twitter to declare he’s still going to fight no matter what. Mood! Time to step up. #BlessedERA pic.twitter.com/TwVTCnzsRp

Justin Golightly - November 8, 2017

The big story tonight is Frankie Edgar having to pull out of his fight with Max Holloway. It would have been the third time that Edgar would challenge for the UFC featherweight title, but now the gold has slipped away from his grasp once again. He’ll have to wait and heal up before his fight with Holloway can be re-booked, but until then there are plenty of people ready, willing and able to step in to challenge for that featherweight strap. Unfortunately, all of them already are booked for fights. Although, that doesn’t seem to matter. I’m down. ‍♂️ #ufc218

Justin Golightly - November 8, 2017

We’re still trying to catch our breath from hearing the news. Frankie Edgar finally got another shot at UFC featherweight gold in a super hyped scrap with Max Holloway at UFC 218. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen. Edgar has to undergo surgery due to an injury to his face and had to pull-out of the contest. He has just issued a statement on his Instagram about the removal from the event and seems to be in good spirits given the circumstances. While the injury hasn’t been specified yet, it looks like it may have something to do with Edgar’s eye in the photo, perhaps an orbital. Hit with a minor setback but should be back to full contact in six weeks or so. Thanks to the @ufc for always having my back. Max I’ll see you down the road. #Believe

Justin Golightly - November 8, 2017

Are you sitting down? If you’re not, you may want to and grab some Kleenex while you’re at it. Just when you thought it was safe to get on the internet, the MMA world gets some heartbreaking news. Former UFC featherweight challenger Frankie Edgar is out of his fight with Max Holloway at UFC 218. According to Combate, he suffered an injury to his face that will require some surgery. Once again, Edgar unfortunately loses out on his shot at UFC gold. Confirmed with source Frankie Edgar is off UFC 218. First reported by @canalCombate. I’m guessing Holloway stays on card, we’ll see.

Justin Golightly - October 14, 2017

Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee put on a great fight at UFC 216 but it almost never happened. Media watched the early weigh-ins on that Friday morning on the edge of our seat. Watching Lee come out and stand on the scale at the very last second was stressful, both in the danger of the fight falling through and for the fighter’s health itself. Luckily, nothing happened, Lee made weight on the second attempt and we’ll forget out it. But that’s the problem, sometimes it doesn’t happen like that. The commission approved new weight classes, but even if the UFC implements them, Frankie Edgar thinks it won’t do any good. “Wrestling has seen it happen back in ‘96, ‘97, or something like that, where a few wrestlers died at the college level and they upped the weight classes. If you add more weight classes, it could encourage people to cut less weight, but it also might encourage someone to cut more weight. They’ll say, ‘Oh, I couldn’t make ‘55, but I can make ‘65,’ and they were going ‘70. So, I don’t know, I think people are always going to look for a way to get an advantage and cutting weight is going to be really tough to get people to stop doing that. Maybe hydration tests. In college, the best way we did it, we did hour weigh-ins, you weigh in an hour before you compete. But that’s just not feasible, I think, in MMA.”